MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. October 7, 2014 – For the 2nd year, two personal safety information expos will be hosted at local Harley Davidson dealerships. The free events will be held on October 11 and 18 at Zylstra Harley Davidson, Elk River, and St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul, respectively.

The two Minnesota Carry Day & Safety Education Expo 2014 events, sponsored by Alpha Apparel & Promotions and Twin Cities Gun Owners & Carry Forum, will host a mix of vendors including local law enforcement, firearms instructors, martial arts trainers, non-lethal self defense products and personal safety trainers. The events will host nationally recognized speakers, and there will be free information sessions throughout the day at each event on a range of topics including personal safety for kids and adults, Q & A with law enforcement, gun safety practices, non-lethal self defense options, permit-to-carry and more.

Firearm manufacturer Taurus USA has also donated two firearms suitable for home defense or lawful carry to be given away as door prizes at each event*, a Taurus Millennium G2 9mm subcompact and a Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro G2 .40 cal.

Featured speakers at the Oct. 11 event at Zylstra Harley Davidson, Elk River, will include nationally recognized author and firearms trainer Michael Martin, United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Chief Instructor, who will present “What We’ve Learned about School Shooters.” Legal expert James Fleming, Minnesota criminal defense attorney and founder of Mid-Minnesota Self-Defense, Inc., will present “Aftermath,” an overview of a course he offers on what to expect in the aftermath of a self defense deadly force encounter. Minnesota Rep. Brian Johnson, who will also speak at the St. Paul event, will provide tips on how to effectively communicate with representatives, and a deputy from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept. will talk about responsibilities of permit holders and answer questions, along with a host of other experts who will present a wide range of personal safety topics.

The Oct. 18 event at St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul, will feature information sessions which include martial arts trainer and 4th degree black belt Katie Anderson, USA Karate – Woodbury, who will offer tips on self defense and escape techniques for both kids and adults. There will be an overview featuring stun guns and other less-than-lethal self defense products by Stun & Run Self Defense LLC. Self defense trainer Jack Pettengill of Dynamic Defensive Arts will give an overview of self defense techniques that employ the use of leverage and how to use items like keys and cell phones as self defense tools. Representatives from Bill’s Gun Shop and Range – Hudson will talk about “Gun Safety Basics.” Minnesota Rep. Tony Cornish is slated to share thoughts about being responsible gun owners and hunters, and there will also be a number of other information sessions throughout the day.

Both events are family-friendly, free to attend and open to the public 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at each location, with free parking. Vendors and Info Sessions are subject to changes or additions. Info Sessions are free to attend but seating will be limited and will be filled on a first-come basis. Attendees can enter drawings for a chance to win door prizes and give-aways. Breakfast and lunch fare will be available for purchase from Uncle Franky’s mobile food truck, which will be on site at both events serving their locally famous hotdogs, sandwiches, fries, mini-donuts and more.

All vendors, information sessions and featured speakers are subject to change without notice.

*Actual firearm door prizes may differ from those listed. Firearm door prizes will be in the form of a certificate which the winner(s) will need to redeem through a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer (FFL). Firearm door prize winners will be required to meet all legal requirements and qualifications including but not limited to age requirements, complete Form 4473, submit to a NICS background check and have the firearm shipped to a FFL dealer for delivery.

C-SPAN: African-American activists spoke out against proposed gun control laws at a news conference in response to concerns shared by black conservatives that proposed legislation in the Senate would restrict their ability to defend themselves, their property and their families.They were also concerned that the proposed gun control legislation put too much power in the hands of politicians, and called for a serious national dialogue about the impact of gun control on the black community.The responded to questions from the reporters.http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/311127-1

PRIZE DRAWINGS AT EACH VENDOR TABLE

VENDOR PRIZE DRAWINGS FOR ELK RIVER:

(Enter drawing at each vendor table)

In addition to the awesome door prizes we'll be giving away this Saturday at Zylstra Harley Davidson - including GUNS and other cool stuff!! -- All of the vendors at the Zylstra Harley-Davidson, Elk River "MN Carry Day & Safety Education Expo" will have drawings for prizes at their tables, also.

As of October 1, 2014 there were 179,252 valid permits issued in Minnesota. Over 51 percent of those permits are issued in the nine county Twin Cities metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright)

Uncle Franky's mobile food truck will be on site ALL DAY at both events.

They'll be serving their locally famous Vienna Beef hotdogs,

sandwiches, fries, mini-donuts and more.

Cost $.

Rep. Brian Johnson will share tips at both events, Elk River and St. Paul, on how to effectively communicate with your representatives. Find out how to increase the likelihood that your concerns will be heard.